Broward County Lawyers Discuss Impact of Video on Police Violence

The rise of citizens videotaping police encounters has had a profound impact on criminal defense, prosecution, and how police conduct themselves. On the one hand, these videos can be a valuable resource for holding police accountable and giving juries much-needed insight into what really happened during a shooting or alleged police brutality. It can also sometimes help clear an officer’s name.

However, some worry that knowing they might be in videotaped could inhibit officers from taking necessary action for fear of retribution. That’s why police in several states have tried to enforce laws that limit such recordings when they believe videos could interfere with police activity. In Broward County, Florida, new cadets are trained to conduct themselves as if they could be videotaped at any time.

Here’s an example of a bystander video taken in Orlando, Florida, as police tased a man who was already on the ground:

Source: For cops, citizen videos bring increased scrutiny, APP.com, October 15, 2010
Contact the South Florida criminal defense lawyers at Leifert & Leifert if you have been charged with a crime and have questions regarding your legal rights.